Packaging apparatus

ABSTRACT

A packaging apparatus which can achieve a reduced amount of use of a packaging material is provided. The packaging apparatus includes a print portion. The print portion can print information relating to an object to be packaged on the packaging material at a normal print position and at an initial print position downstream from the normal print position in a direction of transportation. The print portion prints information for a first package at the initial print position and prints information for second and subsequent packages at the normal print position.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a packaging apparatus which packages an object to be packaged in a packaging material.

BACKGROUND ART

A conventional drug packaging apparatus supplies a drug to package paper and seals the package paper with heat while it sends the package paper along a transfer path. A bag which accommodates the drug is thus formed. A printer head is provided in the transfer path for the package paper. The printer head is located upstream from a position of supply of the drug to the package paper in a direction of transfer of the package paper. The printer head prints information onto the package paper. For example, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 3-200526 (PTL 1) discloses a conventional technique involved with a drug packaging apparatus.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

PTL 1: Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 3-200526

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

In the conventional drug packaging apparatus, as described previously, the printer head is located upstream from the position of supply of the drug to the package paper in the direction of transfer of the package paper. Therefore, information corresponding to a first bag is printed onto the package paper, a portion where this information is printed is sent to the position of supply of the drug to the package paper, and thereafter the drug for the first package is supplied to the package paper. Such a structure thus causes waste of the package paper.

An object of the present invention is to provide a packaging apparatus which can achieve a reduced amount of use of a packaging material.

Solution to Problem

A packaging apparatus according to the present invention includes a packaging material transportation portion which transports a packaging material in a shape of an elongated sheet in a longitudinal direction of the packaging material, an accommodation portion forming portion which forms an accommodation portion which accommodates an object to be packaged with the packaging material transported by the packaging material transportation portion, and a print portion provided upstream from the accommodation portion forming portion in a direction of transportation of the packaging material, the print portion being configured to print information relating to the object to be packaged on the packaging material transported by the packaging material transportation portion. The print portion is capable of performing printing at a normal print position and an initial print position downstream from the normal print position in the direction of transportation. The print portion prints the information for a first package at the initial print position and prints the information for second and subsequent packages at the normal print position.

In the packaging apparatus, the accommodation portion forming portion forms a package in which the accommodation portion is formed. The normal print position is defined with a point distant from a point of boundary formation by a distance which is an integral multiple of a width of the package in the direction of transportation upstream in the direction of transportation being defined as a base point, the point of boundary formation being a point where the accommodation portion forming portion forms a boundary between packages adjacent in the direction of transportation. The initial print position is defined as a position downstream from the normal print position in the direction of transportation by a distance shorter than the width of the package in the direction of transportation. After the print portion performs printing at the initial print position, the packaging material transportation portion transports the packaging material by a distance calculated by subtracting a distance between the initial print position and the normal print position from the width of the package in the direction of transportation. An operation by the print portion to perform printing at the normal print position and an operation by the packaging material transportation portion to transport the packaging material by the width of the package in the direction of transportation are thereafter alternately repeated.

In the packaging apparatus, the print portion includes a print head and a head moving portion which moves the print head in the direction of transportation of the packaging material. An area in which the print head is movable includes a print area at the normal print position and a print area at the initial print position.

In the packaging apparatus, the width of the package in the direction of transportation is variable.

In the packaging apparatus, a drug is adopted as the object to be packaged, and the drug is packaged based on a prescription.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the packaging apparatus in the present invention, an amount of use of a packaging material can be reduced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a construction of a packaging apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a drug supply portion and an accommodation portion forming portion in the packaging apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a general construction of a perforation forming portion in the packaging apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a construction of a print portion in the packaging apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the packaging apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of printing on a packaging material.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing arrangement of an initial print position and a normal print position in a direction of transportation.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a print position when a width of the package in the direction of transportation is varied.

FIG. 9 is a first diagram showing a print operation by the print portion in forming a package.

FIG. 10 is a second diagram showing a print operation by the print portion in forming a package.

FIG. 11 is a third diagram showing a print operation by the print portion in forming a package.

FIG. 12 is a fourth diagram showing a print operation by the print portion in forming a package.

FIG. 13 is a fifth diagram showing a print operation by the print portion in forming a package.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

An embodiment of this invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding elements in the drawings below have the same reference characters allotted and description thereof will not be repeated.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a construction of a packaging apparatus 1 according to an embodiment.

Packaging apparatus 1 is used for packaging an object to be packaged. A drug is adopted as an object to be packaged and the drug is specifically a solid drug. Examples of the solid drug include powders, granules, tablets, pills, and capsules. The object to be packaged is not limited to the solid drug. The object to be packaged may be a semi-solid drug or a liquid drug.

Packaging apparatus 1 is a drug packaging apparatus for packaging a drug based on a prescription. The prescription is issued by a doctor to a patient. The prescription includes patient information and drug information. The patient information includes a name and an age of a patient. The drug information includes a name, a quantity, use, and a dose of a drug. Packaging apparatus 1 is used for packaging one dose of drug based on such a prescription.

Packaging apparatus 1 includes a packaging material transportation portion 8. Packaging material transportation portion 8 transports a packaging material 2 by applying driving force to packaging material 2. Packaging material 2 is in a shape of an elongated sheet. Packaging material 2 is transported in a longitudinal direction of packaging material 2. Packaging material 2 is sent out of a packaging material roll 3. Packaging material roll 3 is obtained by winding packaging material 2 like a roll. An arrow in FIG. 1 indicates a direction of transportation DR of packaging material 2. Direction of transportation DR of packaging material 2 is simply referred to as “direction of transportation DR” below. Upstream in direction of transportation DR (a side close to packaging material roll 3) is simply referred to as “upstream”. Downstream in direction of transportation DR (a side away from packaging material roll 3) is simply referred to as “downstream”.

Packaging apparatus 1 further includes a print portion 4, a drug supply portion 5, and an accommodation portion forming portion 6. Print portion 4, drug supply portion 5, and accommodation portion forming portion 6 are sequentially aligned from upstream toward downstream in direction of transportation DR. Print portion 4 prints prescribed information on packaging material 2 transported by packaging material transportation portion 8. The prescribed information is information relating to a drug. Drug supply portion 5 supplies a drug to packaging material 2 transported by packaging material transportation portion 8. One dose of drug is supplied each time based on a prescription. Accommodation portion forming portion 6 forms an accommodation portion with packaging material 2 transported by packaging material transportation portion 8. The drug is accommodated in the accommodation portion. Accommodation portion forming portion 6 forms a package in which the drug is accommodated by thermally fusing packaging material 2 after the drug is supplied from drug supply portion 5.

Packaging apparatus 1 further includes a perforation forming portion 7. Perforation forming portion 7 is provided in accommodation portion forming portion 6. Perforation forming portion 7 forms perforations which extend in a direction orthogonal to direction of transportation DR in packaging material 2 transported by packaging material transportation portion 8. The perforations are such that a plurality of small holes are successively aligned in a direction of a short side of packaging material 2.

In packaging apparatus 1, a packaging portion 9 is made up by accommodation portion forming portion 6, perforation forming portion 7, and packaging material transportation portion 8.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of drug supply portion 5 and accommodation portion forming portion 6 in packaging apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1.

At a drug supply position where drug supply portion 5 supplies a drug 100 to packaging material 2, packaging material 2 is folded in two along a centerline of the short-side direction of packaging material 2. Opposing ends 2 a in the short-side direction of packaging material 2 are located above a central portion 2 b in the short-side direction of packaging material 2 and are distant from each other. An opening 2 c which opens upward is thus formed in packaging material 2.

Packaging material 2 may be folded in two in advance. In this case, packaging material 2 folded in two is sent out of packaging material roll 3 obtained by winding packaging material 2 folded in two in advance like a roll.

Alternatively, packaging material 2 may be folded in two at some midpoint in a transportation path. In this case, packaging material 2 is wound like a roll without being folded in two. Packaging material 2 is sent out of packaging material roll 3 thus manufactured. A mechanism for folding packaging material 2 in two is provided upstream from the drug supply position. Packaging material 2 sent out of packaging material roll 3 is folded in two upstream from the drug supply position.

Drug supply portion 5 includes a not-shown supply portion main body and a hopper 51. The supply portion main body supplies drug 100. Hopper 51 guides drug 100 supplied from the supply portion main body to packaging material 2. Hopper 51 has a drug inlet 52 at its tip end, through which drug 100 is introduced into packaging material 2. Drug inlet 52 is arranged to be located inside packaging material 2 folded in two. Drug 100 supplied from the supply portion main body is guided by hopper 51 so that it passes through opening 2 c in packaging material 2 and enters the inside of packaging material 2 folded in two.

Accommodation portion forming portion 6 includes a heating member 61, a reception member 62, and a pressurization motor 65. Heating member 61 contains a heater 61 a (see FIG. 5 which will be described later). Reception member 62 is a member which receives heating member 61. Heating member 61 and reception member 62 are arranged as being opposed to each other with packaging material 2 lying therebetween. Pressurization motor 65 drives heating member 61 and reception member 62. Heating member 61 and reception member 62 driven by pressurization motor 65 apply a pressure to packaging material 2 from opposing sides or move away from packaging material 2.

Heating member 61 and reception member 62 are each in a substantially T shape. Heating member 61 and reception member 62 each include a longitudinal-direction portion 63 and a short-side direction portion 64. Longitudinal-direction portion 63 makes up a lateral bar portion of the T shape and extends in the longitudinal direction of packaging material 2. Longitudinal-direction portion 63 extends in direction of transportation DR. Short-side direction portion 64 makes up a vertical bar portion of the T shape and extends in the direction of the short side of packaging material 2. Short-side direction portion 64 extends in a direction orthogonal to direction of transportation DR. Longitudinal-direction portion 63 of heating member 61 and longitudinal-direction portion 63 of reception member 62 are arranged as being opposed to each other with packaging material 2 lying therebetween. Short-side direction portion 64 of heating member 61 and short-side direction portion 64 of reception member 62 are arranged as being opposed to each other with packaging material 2 lying therebetween.

In such accommodation portion forming portion 6, heating member 61 is heated by heater 61 a. In this state, heating member 61 and reception member 62 apply a pressure to packaging material 2 from opposing sides. A longitudinal-direction fused portion 23 and a short-side direction fused portion 24 are thus formed in packaging material 2. Longitudinal-direction fused portion 23 is formed as a result of thermal fusing of a part of packaging material 2 which lies between longitudinal-direction portion 63 of heating member 61 and longitudinal-direction portion 63 of reception member 62. Longitudinal-direction fused portion 23 closes opening 2 c in packaging material 2. Short-side direction fused portion 24 is formed as a result of thermal fusing of a part of packaging material 2 which lies between short-side direction portion 64 of heating member 61 and short-side direction portion 64 of reception member 62. Short-side direction fused portion 24 divides the inside of packaging material 2 into a downstream side and an upstream side.

Packaging material 2 is thus partitioned by a fold of packaging material 2 folded in two, longitudinal-direction fused portion 23, and two short-side direction fused portions 24 aligned in direction of transportation DR, to thereby form a package 21. Short-side direction fused portion 24 defines a boundary between packages 21 adjacent in the longitudinal direction of packaging material 2. An accommodation portion 22 is formed in package 21 and drug 100 is accommodated in accommodation portion 22. Accommodation portion 22 accommodates drug 100 representing an object to be packaged.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a general construction of perforation forming portion 7 in packaging apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 (A) shows arrangement of perforation forming portion 7 when perforation 25 is not formed in packaging material 2. FIG. 3 (B) shows arrangement of perforation forming portion 7 when perforations 25 are formed in packaging material 2.

As shown in FIG. 3 (A), perforation forming portion 7 includes a perforation forming blade 71. Perforation forming blade 71 is provided in short-side direction portion 64 of reception member 62. Perforation forming blade 71 is located in a central portion in a direction of width of short-side direction portion 64 of reception member 62. Perforation forming blade 71 extends in the short-side direction of packaging material 2. In heating member 61, a slit groove 72 as a recess in a part of a surface thereof which faces packaging material 2 is provided. Slit groove 72 extends in the short-side direction of packaging material 2.

Perforation forming blade 71 is pressed against packaging material 2 when heating member 61 and reception member 62 apply a pressure to packaging material 2 from opposing sides. As a cutting edge of perforation forming blade 71 protrudes from reception member 62 and penetrates packaging material 2 in a direction of thickness, perforation 25 is provided in packaging material 2. At this time, the cutting edge of perforation forming blade 71 has moved into slit groove 72 as shown in FIG. 3 (B). Perforation forming blade 71 is driven by pressurization motor 65 similarly to heating member 61 and reception member 62 and moved relatively to reception member 62. Perforations 25 are formed in the central portion in the direction of width of short-side direction fused portion 24. By tearing packaging material 2 along perforations 25, adjacent packages 21 are readily separated from each other.

Perforation forming blade 71 does not have to be provided in reception member 62. For example, perforation forming blade 71 arranged downstream from accommodation portion forming portion 6 may provide perforations 25 in the central portion in the direction of width of already formed short-side direction fused portion 24. In this case, perforation forming portion 7 further includes a drive portion for driving perforation forming blade 71 in addition to perforation forming blade 71.

Referring back to FIG. 2, packaging material transportation portion 8 includes a pair of transportation rollers 81 and a transportation motor 82. The pair of transportation rollers 81 is arranged as being opposed to each other with packaging material 2 lying therebetween. Transportation motor 82 rotationally drives the pair of transportation rollers 81. As transportation motor 82 rotationally drives the pair of transportation rollers 81, packaging material 2 is transported.

In such packaging portion 9 (FIG. 1), packaging material transportation portion 8 intermittently transports packaging material 2. While transportation of packaging material 2 is suspended, heating member 61 and reception member 62 apply a pressure to packaging material 2 from opposing sides. During this period, perforation forming blade 71 is pressed against packaging material 2. Thus, in packaging material 2, longitudinal-direction fused portion 23 is formed continuously in the longitudinal direction of packaging material 2, short-side direction fused portions 24 are formed at a regular interval in the longitudinal direction of packaging material 2, and perforations 25 are provided at a regular interval in the longitudinal direction of packaging material 2. A plurality of packages 21 are thus formed in the longitudinal direction of packaging material 2.

Package 21 is a portion between short-side direction fused portions 24 adjacent in the longitudinal direction of packaging material 2 and between perforations 25 adjacent in the longitudinal direction of packaging material 2. Short-side direction fused portion 24 defines a boundary between packages 21 adjacent in the longitudinal direction of packaging material 2. Short-side direction portion 64 of heating member 61 and short-side direction portion 64 of reception member 62 function as a boundary forming portion which forms a boundary between packages 21 aligned in direction of transportation DR. A point where perforation forming blade 71 is arranged in direction of transportation DR is referred to as a point of boundary formation.

A length between central portions in the direction of width of short-side direction fused portions 24 adjacent in direction of transportation DR is referred to as a width W of package 21 in direction of transportation DR. Width W represents a length between perforations 25 adjacent in the longitudinal direction of packaging material 2.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a construction of print portion 4 in packaging apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1.

Print portion 4 thermally transfers ink of an ink ribbon 45 onto packaging material 2 by using a thermal head 41 serving as a print head.

Print portion 4 includes thermal head 41 and a platen roller 44. Thermal head 41 includes a plurality of heat generating elements. Platen roller 44 supports packaging material 2. Thermal head 41 and platen roller 44 are arranged as being opposed to each other with ink ribbon 45 and packaging material 2 lying therebetween.

Print portion 4 further includes a head contact and separation motor 42 and a head moving motor 43. Head contact and separation motor 42 has thermal head 41 carry out reciprocal motion in a direction of thickness (a vertical direction in FIG. 4) of packaging material 2 and moves the thermal head to a pressure-contact position and a distant position. The pressure-contact position refers to a position where thermal head 41 is brought in pressure contact with platen roller 44 with ink ribbon 45 and packaging material 2 being interposed. The distant position refers to a position where thermal head 41 is moved away from platen roller 44. Head moving motor 43 representing a head moving portion has thermal head 41 and platen roller 44 carry out reciprocal motion in direction of transportation DR (a lateral direction in FIG. 4) of packaging material 2. A movable range where thermal head 41 is movable includes a print area WA at a normal print position and a print area WB at an initial print position which will be described later.

Print portion 4 further includes a ribbon feed shaft 46, a ribbon wind-up shaft 47, guide rollers 48 and 49, and a wind-up motor 47 a. Ribbon feed shaft 46 feeds ink ribbon 45. Ribbon wind-up shaft 47 winds up ink ribbon 45. Guide rollers 48 and 49 are provided between ribbon feed shaft 46 and ribbon wind-up shaft 47 and guides ink ribbon 45. Wind-up motor 47 a rotationally drives ribbon wind-up shaft 47. As wind-up motor 47 a rotationally drives ribbon wind-up shaft 47, ink ribbon 45 is transported from ribbon feed shaft 46 to ribbon wind-up shaft 47.

In such print portion 4, thermal head 41 is moved to a pressure-contact position. In this state, the thermal head is moved along a transportation path for packaging material 2. The plurality of heat generating elements in the thermal head selectively generate heat. Prescribed information relating to drug 100 representing an object to be packaged is thus printed on packaging material 2.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of packaging apparatus 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, packaging apparatus 1 includes an operation portion 91 and an overall control unit 90.

Operation portion 91 is operated by an operator who operates packaging apparatus 1. As the operator operates operation portion 91, information necessary for a packaging operation by packaging apparatus 1 is input to overall control unit 90. Examples of information necessary for the packaging operation by packaging apparatus 1 include prescription data based on a prescription and various types of setting information. Examples of the setting information include a set interval and contents to be printed. A width dimension of package 21 is determined in accordance with the set interval. Information necessary for the packaging operation by packaging apparatus 1 may be input from an external computer to overall control unit 90.

Overall control unit 90 controls operations by packaging apparatus 1 as a whole based on information necessary for packaging operations by packaging apparatus 1. Overall control unit 90 controls drug supply portion 5, packaging portion 9, and print portion 4.

Overall control unit 90 transmits a control signal to drug supply portion 5 and gives a command on a type, the number, and a quantity of drug 100 to be supplied by drug supply portion 5. Overall control unit 90 transmits a control signal to packaging portion 9 such that width W of package 21 in direction of transportation DR is set to a prescribed value. Width W may be set, for example, to a value input through operation portion 91 or a value set by overall control unit 90 based on a type, the number, and a quantity of drug 100.

Packaging portion 9 includes a packaging control unit 96. Packaging control unit 96 controls heater 61 a, pressurization motor 65, and transportation motor 82 based on a control signal from overall control unit 90. As heater 61 a, pressurization motor 65, and transportation motor 82 are driven and turned off as appropriate, packaging with packaging material 2 is performed.

Print portion 4 includes a print control unit 94. Print control unit 94 controls thermal head 41, head contact and separation motor 42, head moving motor 43, and wind-up motor 47 a based on a control signal from overall control unit 90. As the heat generating elements in thermal head 41, head contact and separation motor 42, head moving motor 43, and wind-up motor 47 a are driven and turned off as appropriate, information 110 relating to drug 100 is printed on packaging material 2.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of printing on packaging material 2.

A print area 29 shown with a rectangle drawn with a chain double dotted line in FIG. 6 is set in packaging material 2. Prescribed information 110 is printed in print area 29. Prescribed information 110 relates to drug 100 accommodated in accommodation portion 22 of package 21. Examples of information 110 relating to drug 100 include a name of a patient and a name and use of a drug.

Print area 29 is set within a package formation intended portion 21 a. Package formation intended portion 21 a is a portion which is set on packaging material 2 and will make up one package 21. Package formation intended portion 21 a is defined by boundary formation intended portions 25 a adjacent in direction of transportation DR.

Boundary formation intended portion 25 a shown with a chain double dotted line in FIG. 6 is a portion set on packaging material 2 where a boundary between packages 21 adjacent in direction of transportation DR will be formed. Namely, boundary formation intended portion 25 a is a portion which will be a central portion of short-side direction fused portion 24 in direction of transportation DR or a portion where perforations 25 formed by perforation forming portion 7 will be formed. A distance between boundary formation intended portions 25 a adjacent in direction of transportation DR corresponds to width W of package 21 in direction of transportation DR.

A margin is provided around print area 29. An upstream margin 27 is provided on an upstream side of print area 29. Upstream margin 27 extends from boundary formation intended portion 25 a on the upstream side of package formation intended portion 21 a to an upstream end of print area 29. A downstream margin 28 is provided on a downstream side of print area 29. Downstream margin 28 extends from boundary formation intended portion 25 a on the downstream side of package formation intended portion 21 a to a downstream end of print area 29.

A width w1 shown in FIG. 6 represents a width of upstream margin 27 in direction of transportation DR and a width w2 represents a width of downstream margin 28 in direction of transportation DR. Width w1 of upstream margin 27 may be identical to or different from width w2 of downstream margin 28.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing arrangement of an initial print position and a normal print position in direction of transportation DR. A marked straight line laterally extending in FIG. 7 shows each point in direction of transportation DR of packaging material 2. A point of boundary formation F shown in FIG. 7 represents a point where accommodation portion forming portion 6 forms a boundary between packages 21 adjacent in direction of transportation DR. As described above with reference to FIG. 3, point of boundary formation F may be a point where perforation forming blade 71 is arranged in direction of transportation DR

A point distant from point of boundary formation F by a distance LA1 which is n times as large as width W of package 21 in direction of transportation DR upstream in direction of transportation DR is defined as a first base point P1, where n is an integer not smaller than one. A normal print position is defined with first base point P1 being defined as a base point. More specifically, first base point P1 defines an upstream end of the normal print position in direction of transportation DR A point distant from first base point P1 by width W of package 21 in direction of transportation DR downstream in direction of transportation DR is defined as a second base point P2. Second base point P2 defines a downstream end of the normal print position in direction of transportation DR. Second base point P2 is a point distant from point of boundary formation F by a distance LA2 which is (n−1) times as large as width W of package 21 in direction of transportation DR upstream in direction of transportation DR. A distance between first base point P1 and second base point P2 corresponds to width W of package 21 in direction of transportation DR.

A relational expression of LA1=nW is satisfied between distance LA1 and width W. A relational expression of LA2=(n−1)W is satisfied between distance LA2 and width W. A relational expression of LA2=LA1−W is satisfied between distance LA1 and distance LA2.

A point distant from first base point P1 downstream in direction of transportation DR by width w1 of upstream margin 27 (FIG. 6) in direction of transportation DR is defined as an upstream end Pa1 of print area WA at the normal print position. A point distant from second base point P2 upstream in direction of transportation DR by width w2 of downstream margin 28 (FIG. 6) in direction of transportation DR is defined as a downstream end Pa2 of print area WA at the normal print position.

The initial print position is a position downstream from the normal print position in direction of transportation DR. A point distant from first base point P1 by a distance L shorter than width W of package 21 in direction of transportation DR downstream in direction of transportation DR is defined as a third base point P3. Third base point P3 defines an upstream end of the initial print position in direction of transportation DR A point distant from second base point P2 by distance L downstream in direction of transportation DR is defined as a fourth base point P4. Fourth base point P4 defines a downstream end of the initial print position in direction of transportation DR A distance between third base point P3 and fourth base point P4 corresponds to width W of package 21 in direction of transportation DR

A point distant from third base point P3 downstream in direction of transportation DR by width w1 of upstream margin 27 (FIG. 6) in direction of transportation DR is defined as an upstream end Pb1 of print area WB at the initial print position. A point distant from fourth base point P4 upstream in direction of transportation DR by width w2 of downstream margin 28 (FIG. 6) in direction of transportation DR is defined as a downstream end Pb2 of print area WB at the initial print position.

Print portion 4 can perform printing at the normal print position and the initial print position which is a position downstream from the normal print position. The normal print position refers to an area between first base point P1 and second base point P2 in direction of transportation DR. The initial print position refers to an area between third base point P3 and fourth base point P4 in direction of transportation DR. The initial print position is a position downstream from the normal print position in direction of transportation DR by distance L shorter than width W of package 21 in direction of transportation DR.

A prescribed limit position is determined depending on a structure of packaging apparatus 1. The limit position is determined as a position beyond which printing by print portion 4 is not allowed because print portion 4 interferes with hopper 51 or the like of drug supply portion 5 on the downstream side of the limit position in direction of transportation DR. The limit position is a position upstream from a position where accommodation portion forming portion 6 forms accommodation portion 22 in direction of transportation DR. The limit position is a position upstream from a position where drug supply portion 5 supplies drug 100 in direction of transportation DR. Print portion 4 can perform printing on the upstream side of the limit position in direction of transportation DR.

The initial print position is set such that the entire print area WB at the initial print position is located upstream from the limit position in direction of transportation DR. In addition, the initial print position is desirably set as downstream as possible in direction of transportation DR. Therefore, downstream end Pb2 of print area WB at the initial print position is set at a point upstream from the limit position in direction of transportation DR and close to the limit position. Downstream end Pb2 of print area WB at the initial print position is most desirably set at a position the same as the limit position. In this case, fourth base point P4 is downstream from the limit position.

The normal print position is upstream from the initial print position. By setting downstream end Pb2 of print area WB at the initial print position to be located upstream from the limit position in direction of transportation DR, the entire print area WA at the normal print position is set upstream from the limit position in direction of transportation DR

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a print position when width W of package 21 in direction of transportation DR is varied. As in FIG. 7, a marked straight line laterally extending in FIG. 8 shows each point in direction of transportation DR of packaging material 2. Width W of package 21 in direction of transportation DR is variable. By varying width W, a volume of accommodation portion 22 is variable. Width W is set as appropriate in accordance with a quantity of drug 100 accommodated in accommodation portion 22. In the example shown in FIG. 8, a first width W1, a second width W2, and a third width W3 are set.

A print area WA1 at the normal print position when first width W1 is set is defined based on the first base point distant from point of boundary formation F by a distance LA11 which is an integral multiple of width W1 of package 21 in direction of transportation DR upstream in direction of transportation DR A print area WA2 at the normal print position when second width W2 is set is defined based on the first base point distant from point of boundary formation F by a distance LA21 which is an integral multiple of width W2 of package 21 in direction of transportation DR upstream in direction of transportation DR A print area WA3 at the normal print position when third width W3 is set is defined based on the first base point distant from point of boundary formation F by a distance LA31 which is an integral multiple of width W3 of package 21 in direction of transportation DR upstream in direction of transportation DR

Regardless of widths W1, W2, and W3 of package 21, the initial print position is set with the limit position beyond which printing by print portion 4 is not allowed being defined as the base point. As shown in FIG. 8, a downstream end Pb12 of a print area WB1 at the initial print position when first width W1 is set, a downstream end Pb22 of a print area WB2 at the initial print position when second width W2 is set, and a downstream end Pb32 of a print area WB3 at the initial print position when third width W3 is set are set at the same position in direction of transportation DR

When third width W3 is set, print area WA3 at the normal print position and print area WB3 at the initial print position are located at the same position in direction of transportation DR. The initial print position thus does not necessarily have to be located at a position downstream from the normal print position in direction of transportation DR. Depending on width W of package 21 in direction of transportation DR, the initial print position and the normal print position may be the same.

An operation by print portion 4 for printing information 110 on packaging material 2 will be described below. FIG. 9 is a first diagram showing a print operation by print portion 4 in forming package 21. In FIGS. 9 to 13 below, the lateral direction in the figures represent direction of transportation DR of packaging material 2, the left side in the figures represents the upstream side in direction of transportation DR, and the right side in the figures represents the downstream side in direction of transportation DR. An Arabic figure in print area 29 schematically represents information 110 printed on packaging material 2. A packaging operation by packaging apparatus 1 is started when information necessary for the packaging operation is input.

When the packaging operation is started, as shown in FIG. 9, initially, thermal head 41 is moved to downstream end Pb2 of print area WB at the initial print position. Thermal head 41 is maintained at the distant position. Ink ribbon 45 is not being transported. Packaging material 2 is not being transported. Heating member 61 and reception member 62 are not applying a pressure to packaging material 2.

FIG. 10 is a second diagram showing a print operation by print portion 4 in forming package 21. Thermal head 41 which has been moved to downstream end Pb2 of print area WB at the initial print position is moved from the distant position to the pressure-contact position. Then, as shown in FIG. 10, thermal head 41 is moved from downstream end Pb2 of print area WB at the initial print position to upstream end Pb1 of print area WB at the initial print position.

Thermal head 41 is maintained at the pressure-contact position. A plurality of heat generating elements in thermal head 41 selectively generate heat. Ink ribbon 45 is not being transported. Packaging material 2 is not being transported. Heating member 61 and reception member 62 are not applying a pressure to packaging material 2. Information 110 for a first package schematically shown with an Arabic figure “1” in FIG. 1 is printed on packaging material 2 at the initial print position. Quality of printing is improved by performing printing while packaging material 2 is not being transported.

FIG. 11 is a third diagram showing a print operation by print portion 4 in forming package 21. Thermal head 41 which has been moved to upstream end Pb1 of print area WB at the initial print position is moved from the pressure-contact position to the distant position. Then, as shown in FIG. 11, thermal head 41 is moved downstream from upstream end Pb1 of print area WB at the initial print position to downstream end Pa2 of print area WA at the normal print position.

Thermal head 41 is maintained at the distant position. Ink ribbon 45 is transported. A distance of transportation of ink ribbon 45 corresponds to a distance between upstream end Pb1 of print area WB at the initial print position and downstream end Pa2 of print area WA at the normal print position. Packaging material 2 is transported. A distance of transportation of packaging material 2 corresponds to a distance between third base point P3 and second base point P2. Namely, the distance of transportation of packaging material 2 corresponds to a distance calculated by subtracting distance L between the initial print position and the normal print position from width W of package 21 in direction of transportation DR. Heating member 61 and reception member 62 are not applying a pressure to packaging material 2.

FIG. 12 is a fourth diagram showing a print operation by print portion 4 in forming package 21. Thermal head 41 which has been moved to downstream end Pa2 of print area WA at the normal print position is moved from the distant position to the pressure-contact position. Then, as shown in FIG. 12, thermal head 41 is moved from downstream end Pa2 of print area WA at the normal print position to upstream end Pa1 of print area WA at the normal print position.

Thermal head 41 is maintained at the pressure-contact position. A plurality of heat generating elements in thermal head 41 selectively generate heat. Ink ribbon 45 is not being transported. Packaging material 2 is not being transported. Heating member 61 and reception member 62 are applying a pressure to packaging material 2. Information 110 for a second package schematically shown with an Arabic figure “2” in FIG. 12 is printed on packaging material 2 at the normal print position. By simultaneously performing printing and fusing of packaging material 2 while packaging material 2 is not being transported, a time period necessary for operations by packaging apparatus 1 is decreased.

FIG. 13 is a fifth diagram showing a print operation by print portion 4 in forming package 21. Thermal head 41 which has been moved to upstream end Pa1 of print area WA at the normal print position is moved from the pressure-contact position to the distant position. Then, as shown in FIG. 13, thermal head 41 is moved from upstream end Pa1 of print area WA at the normal print position to downstream end Pa2 of print area WA at the normal print position.

Thermal head 41 is maintained at the distant position. Ink ribbon 45 is transported. A distance of transportation of ink ribbon 45 corresponds to a distance between upstream end Pa1 of print area WA at the normal print position and downstream end Pa2 of print area WA at the normal print position. Packaging material 2 is transported. A distance of transportation of packaging material 2 corresponds to a distance between first base point P1 and second base point P2. A distance of transportation of packaging material 2 corresponds to width W of package 21 in direction of transportation DR. Heating member 61 and reception member 62 are not applying a pressure to packaging material 2.

Thermal head 41 is moved to downstream end Pa2 of print area WA at the normal print position, and thereafter the operations described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13 are repeated. Information 110 for third and subsequent packages is thus successively printed on packaging material 2 at the normal print position.

A printed portion where prescribed information has been printed moves in direction of transportation DR with transportation of packaging material 2. When the printed portion reaches the drug supply position, drug 100 is supplied to packaging material 2. In other words, drug 100 is not supplied to packaging material 2 until the printed portion reaches the drug supply position. Therefore, an empty package is formed downstream from first package 21. The empty package refers to package 21 in which no drug 100 is accommodated.

Empty packages can be reduced by allowing the print portion to perform printing at the normal print position and the initial print position downstream from the normal print position in direction of transportation DR so as to print information 110 for a first package at the initial print position and to print information 110 for second and subsequent packages at the normal print position. Therefore, since an amount of waste of packaging material 2 can be reduced, an amount of use of packaging material 2 can be reduced.

An example in which drug 100 is adopted as an object to be packaged by packaging apparatus 1 is described above. When drug 100 is packaged based on a prescription, waste of packaging material 2 per one prescription often occurs. With packaging apparatus 1 in the present embodiment, however, waste of packaging material 2 can be reduced. Consequently, waste of packaging material 2 can significantly be reduced. An object to be packaged is not limited to drug 100 but any article may be adopted as the object to be packaged.

Print portion 4 which prints information 110 is not limited to a heat transfer type print portion, but the print portion may be of an ink jet type.

Heating member 61 and reception member 62 which make up accommodation portion forming portion 6 do not have to be in the T shape. For example, the construction may be such that the short-side direction fused portion is arranged on the upstream side, the longitudinal-direction fused portion is arranged on the downstream side, an object to be packaged is supplied into an accommodation portion partitioned in advance, and thereafter an opening is fused.

Though an embodiment of the present invention has been described as above, it should be understood that the embodiment disclosed herein is illustrative and non-restrictive in every respect. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims rather than the description above and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

1 packaging apparatus; 2 packaging material; 3 packaging material roll; 4 print portion; 5 drug supply portion; 6 accommodation portion forming portion; 7 perforation forming portion; 8 packaging material transportation portion; 9 packaging portion; 21 package; 21 a package formation intended portion; 22 accommodation portion; 23 longitudinal-direction fused portion; 24 short-side direction fused portion; 25 perforation; 25 a boundary formation intended portion; 27 upstream margin; 28 downstream margin; 29, WA, WB print area; 41 thermal head; 42 head contact and separation motor; 43 head moving motor; 44 platen roller; 45 ink ribbon; 46 ribbon feed shaft; 47 ribbon wind-up shaft; 47 a wind-up motor; 48, 49 guide roller; 51 hopper; 52 drug inlet; 61 heating member; 61 a heater; 62 reception member; 63 longitudinal-direction portion; 64 short-side direction portion; 65 pressurization motor; 71 perforation forming blade; 72 slit groove; 81 transportation roller; 82 transportation motor; 90 overall control unit; 91 operation portion; 94 print control unit; 96 packaging control unit; 100 drug; 110 information; DR direction of transportation; F point of boundary formation; L, LA1, LA2, LA11, LA21 distance; P1, P2, P3, P4 base point; W, W1, W2, W3, w1, w2 width 

1. A packaging apparatus comprising: a packaging material transportation portion which transports a packaging material in a shape of an elongated sheet in a longitudinal direction of the packaging material; an accommodation portion forming portion which forms an accommodation portion which accommodates an object to be packaged with the packaging material transported by the packaging material transportation portion; and a print portion provided upstream from the accommodation portion forming portion in a direction of transportation of the packaging material, the print portion being configured to print information relating to the object to be packaged on the packaging material transported by the packaging material transportation portion, the print portion being capable of performing printing at a normal print position and an initial print position downstream from the normal print position in the direction of transportation, the print portion being configured to print the information for a first package at the initial print position and to print the information for second and subsequent packages at the normal print position.
 2. The packaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the accommodation portion forming portion forms a package in which the accommodation portion is formed, the normal print position is defined with a point distant from a point of boundary formation by a distance which is an integral multiple of a width of the package in the direction of transportation upstream in the direction of transportation being defined as a base point, the point of boundary formation being a point where the accommodation portion forming portion forms a boundary between packages adjacent in the direction of transportation, the initial print position is defined as a position downstream from the normal print position in the direction of transportation by a distance shorter than the width of the package in the direction of transportation, after the print portion performs printing at the initial print position, the packaging material transportation portion transports the packaging material by a distance calculated by subtracting a distance between the initial print position and the normal print position from the width of the package in the direction of transportation, and an operation by the print portion to perform printing at the normal print position and an operation by the packaging material transportation portion to transport the packaging material by the width of the package in the direction of transportation are thereafter alternately repeated.
 3. The packaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the print portion includes a print head and a head moving portion which moves the print head in the direction of transportation of the packaging material, and an area in which the print head is movable includes a print area at the normal print position and a print area at the initial print position.
 4. The packaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the width of the package in the direction of transportation is variable.
 5. The packaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a drug is adopted as the object to be packaged, and the drug is packaged based on a prescription. 